Portfolio manager comments — Q3 2025
The fund delivered a slightly negative return during the period, underperforming its benchmark, the SIX SRI Nordic 200 Net Index. The main reason for the weaker relative performance was the subdued development of several holdings in defensive sectors, particularly pharmaceuticals. The top positive contributors to performance were Sandvik, Hexagon, and SEB. Sandvik performed strongly following a quarterly report showing solid order intake within the mining segment. Hexagon rose after divesting part of its business at an attractive valuation, which was well received by the market. SEB performed in line with the broader banking sector, which benefited from favorable market conditions during the quarter.
The largest negative contributors were Novo Nordisk, Kesko, Netcompany, and Novonesis. Novo Nordisk came under pressure due to concerns about potential U.S. regulatory measures aimed at lowering drug costs, as well as increased availability of lower‑priced alternatives with similar effects, so‑called compounders. The company also issued a profit warning ahead of its half‑year report, which further weighed on the share price.
During the quarter, the fund established a new position in AFRY, an engineering and consulting firm with exposure to industries undergoing transformation, such as energy, process industries, and infrastructure – including defense and transportation. The company has experienced a period of weaker growth and profitability relative to historical levels but has initiated a reorganization and cost‑saving program under new management. We assess that the company is well positioned for profitable growth from next year, and the valuation appears attractive relative to historical levels.
The fund also increased exposure to more late‑cyclical companies such as Atlas Copco and Epiroc, while reducing positions in more short‑cyclical holdings such as Sandvik, Autoliv, and Hexagon. The position in Handelsbanken was divested, as the stock is deemed to be trading at a premium relative to its historical valuation.
The fund maintains its focus on companies with sustainable business models and competitive offerings, with the objective of generating sustainable, profitable growth over time.